Which animals are most associated with Q fever outbreaks in veterinary settings?

Which animals are most associated with Q fever outbreaks in veterinary settings?

• A. Pigs
• B. Birds
• C. Goats and sheep
• D. Cattle

Answer: (C)

Q fever outbreaks in veterinary settings occur most often due to the huge amounts of Coxiella burnetii shed by small ruminants during birth events. Goats and sheep release large quantities of the bacteria in placentas, birth fluids, and other birthing materials, which readily become aerosolized in the environment. When people such as veterinarians, farmers, or abattoir workers disturb these materials or work in contaminated areas, they can inhale the infectious particles and acquire Q fever. This periparturient shedding makes goats and sheep the primary sources of occupational exposure. While cattle can also harbor and shed the organism, the pattern of human outbreaks is most strongly linked to goats and sheep because of the high bacterial load during lambing and kidding. Pigs and birds are not typical sources for human Q fever outbreaks in veterinary settings.

Q fever outbreaks in veterinary settings occur most often due to the huge amounts of Coxiella burnetii shed by small ruminants during birth events. Goats and sheep release large quantities of the bacteria in placentas, birth fluids, and other birthing materials, which readily become aerosolized in the environment. When people such as veterinarians, farmers, or abattoir workers disturb these materials or work in contaminated areas, they can inhale the infectious particles and acquire Q fever. This periparturient shedding makes goats and sheep the primary sources of occupational exposure. While cattle can also harbor and shed the organism, the pattern of human outbreaks is most strongly linked to goats and sheep because of the high bacterial load during lambing and kidding. Pigs and birds are not typical sources for human Q fever outbreaks in veterinary settings.